Page 11 - The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma)

Author picks

Our authors made their way across every
(accessible) corner of Myanmar for this second
edition of the Guide. Aside from the major sights,
here are some of their personal favourites.
Big Buddhas Big is definitely best when it comes
to Buddhist merit-making, as exemplified by the
supersized Buddhas of Yangon (p.78) and Bago
(p.142) or the stupendous, sky-high statue at
Maha Bodhi Tataung, near Monywa (p.343).
Cycling Four wheels are good but two wheels
are even better (p.31). Cycling offers a brilliant
way of seeing the countryside, whether you’re
exploring the spectacular temples of Bagan
(p.223), freewheeling around the shores of Inle
Lake (see box, p.251) or heading through the hills
around Kalaw (p.242).
Teahouses Teahouses (see box, p.37) are an
integral part of daily Burmese life – as much a
social institution as a place to drink and eat. Tea is
served Burmese style (sweet, milky and with a
kick) and usually accompanied by bite-sized
snacks ranging from curried mutton puffs to
sticky-rice confections.
Markets Local markets are at the heart of
traditional Burmese life, complete with huge
stacks of fruit and vegetables, piles of colourful
longyi and vast vats of rice, and ranging in size
and style from the urban mercantile mazes of
Yangon’s Theingyi Zei (p.68) and Mandalay’s
Zegyo (p.287) through to the colourful
ethnic-minority markets (p.241) of Inle Lake.
Remnants of colonialism Myriad relics of British
colonial rule can be seen dotted across Myanmar,
from the quaint hill stations of Pyin Oo Lwin
(p.314) and Kalaw (p.238) through to the lakeside
villas of Kengtung (p.270) and the great municipal
monuments of downtown Yangon (p.59).
Nat ceremonies Don’t miss the chance to catch
one of Myanmar’s raucous nat (spirit) ceremonies
(p.386). Khayone Cave (Mawlamyine) has daily
nat-driven séances (p.165), while Taungbyone’s
nat pwè (see box, p.298) is a magnet for energetic
nat kadaw (see box, p.49).
Our author recommendations don’t end
here. We’ve flagged up our favourite places
– a perfectly sited hotel, an atmospheric
café, a special restaurant – throughout the
Guide, highlighted with the ★ symbol.
FROM TOP CYCLISTS IN BAGAN; TEA-MAKING, BURMESE STYLE;
A NAT KADAW PREPARES FOR TAUNGBYONE NAT PWÈ

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